Rutgers will be without one of its defensive leaders when the Wisconsin Badgers visit on Oct. 12.
That is star linebacker Mohamed Toure, who Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano said this week will miss the entire 2024 season with a torn ACL.
Related: Wisconsin football listed as underdog in seven games on 2024 schedule
The game at Rutgers is one of the critical games on the Badgers’ 2024 schedule. A Rutgers matchup usually means a look-ahead win for Wisconsin. The 2024 Scarlet Knights, however, project to be much better than the program’s normal form.
The Oct. 12 game in Piscataway, New Jersey is actually one of the seven games on Wisconsin’s schedule where ESPN FPI currently favors the opposing team. Right now, ESPN FPI gives Rutgers a 56% chance to win.
Toure’s injury is a major blow to Schiano’s veteran-heavy team, however. The star linebacker was second on the team in tackles (93), first in TFLs (9.5) and first in sacks (4.5) last season. Those marks helped the Scarlet Knights finish 2023 at No. 16 in the nation in total defense — that against a gauntlet schedule that included Wisconsin, Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State.
Greg Schiano just announced that LB and senior captain Mo Toure will be out for the season with a torn ACL. It's a significant blow for a defense that was counting on his dynamic ability. More to come.
— Pat Lanni (@PatLanniNJ) August 20, 2024
Rutgers’ 2024 slate is by far the easiest in the conference. It lines up for the team to make a push for College Football Playoff contention, if all goes right. The loss of Toure will definitely make that quest harder. It may even be a difference when the Badgers come to town.
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